As a young woman with a master’s degree in social work, Molly Bogen gravitated toward senior citizens. “Ever since I was young they’ve tugged at my heartstrings,” she says. “There are so many youth-oriented programs and nonprofits out there that focus on kids — a lot of wonderful and much-needed programs — but [people] tend to fear aging and death. Sometimes, unfortunately, that fear trumps sympathy.” Bogen landed at neighborhood nonprofit The Senior Source a little more than 30 years ago, and has seen the once-small organization turn into a clearinghouse for senior-centered activities and programs serving the whole city. “We work for everyone from the recently retired active person to those who can’t get around much anymore.” Bogen’s favorite program (when pressed to point out one, she says) is the nursing home ombudsman program through which staff and volunteers work to improve Dallas County nursing home conditions. “Here’s a sad statistic — approximately 50 percent of those living in nursing homes never have visitors,” Bogen says. “The age wave is coming. In 22 years one in four individuals will be over 60. One in five will be over 65. There are and will be a lot of people in need and a lot of opportunities to help.
To find out more about The Senior Source, call 214.823.5700 or visit theseniorsource.org.
